14-Day Adult-Only Itinerary for Tonga
An adult-only getaway to some stunning South Pacific islands is a dream for many. For travellers seeking an adult-only escape that’s more about “doing” than lying on the beach all day, Tonga is an excellent choice. Adult-only accommodation is only slowly starting to become a thing in these still relatively unexplored islands. But as you travel the various island groups that we mention in this Tonga adult-only itinerary for 14 days, you’ll see that it’s so quiet that “adult-only resorts” aren’t really needed – even in the high season! So get inspired for travelling the Kingdom of Tonga with this trusty 2-week itinerary.
Note that this itinerary is for the traveller who wants to explore as much as possible in two weeks. For a more relaxing itinerary, take a look at How to Spend 14 Days on an Adult-Only Tonga Vacation TI056.
How to Get Around Tonga in 14 Days
The itinerary below has you visiting all of Tonga’s major island groups (except The Niuas which you only need to read The Complete Guide to The Niuas to see why). With that, you’ll need to do some travelling over land and water. While we give some tips in the itinerary, here is an overview of how to get around on an adult-only holiday.
Road Transport in Tonga
The main islands in Tongatapu and Vava’u have roads where taxis, accommodation transfers, guided tours and car rentals are available. These transport methods are not available in ‘Eua and Ha’apai, where you’ll mostly need to rely on your accommodation to help you get around.
Overwater Transport in Tonga
In this itinerary, we mostly recommend taking flights between the island groups, which is the fastest and most convenient for most travellers. We only suggest the ferry when crossing between Vava’u and Ha’apai as there are no flights available. Note that no flights operate on a Sunday. For getting to island resorts, resorts offer their own boat transfers, which need to be arranged before arrival.
Learn more about transport in each of the destinations mentioned in the following guides:
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 1 – Fua’amotu Airport to Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 30 minutes
You’ve arrived in Tonga! The main island and the island you will arrive in is Tongatapu, home to the nation’s capital where you’ll find the only adult-only accommodation in the island group. You’ll have a choice of premium apartments exclusively for adults, as well as adult-only homestays and private holiday homes.
Grab a bite to eat in town, following the recommendations in our Guide to the Best Eats &Restaurants in Nuku’alofa and get yourself fuelled for a fun two weeks ahead!
Adult-Only Accommodation in Nuku’alofa
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Villa Apartments Eastside
- Waterfront Lodge
- Puipuikihetoa Homestay
Learn more about each accommodation and more in 5 Best Adult-Only Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 2 – Explore Tongatapu
Now your adult-only getaway can get into full swing, whether you prefer to be out on the water or exploring the sights on land. Check out some of the suggestions of how you can be spending your time with your loved one or mates in the list below!
Activities in Tongatapu for Adults
- Surf the epic reef breaks at Ha’atafu Beach
- Hire a private fishing charter
- Rent a car and explore the sights of Tongatapu
- Indulge in a relaxing island spa treatment
- Drink and be merry at the bars and nightclubs
- Get a Tongan-inspired tattoo in Nuku’alofa
- Take a private tour of Tongatapu’s sights
- Go on freediving excursion
Find out more about each activity in our list of the 8 Adult-Only Activities on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 3 – Nuku’alofa to ‘Eua
Travel time: 1-2 hours ferry, 10-minute flight
It’s time to experience more of Tonga, with your next destination being the rugged piece of paradise of ‘Eua Island! The island that sits some 45km (28 miles) southeast of Tongatapu is Tonga’s oldest island, offering a wealth of amazing weathered landscapes to explore.
Get there by either taking one of the ferries from the Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku’alofa or grab a cab to the domestic terminal of Fua’amotu Airport where you’ll catch a super quick flight to the island. The latter being a much more intimate and appropriate option for an adult-only holiday.
While there is no official adult-only accommodation on ‘Eua, your best options include the Seta Homestay where you’ll have your own private holiday home. Alternatively, Ovava Tree Lodge only has double rooms available, making it a population option for couples and discouraging families. See more resorts in the 6 Best Resorts in ‘Eua.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 4 – ‘Eua
The tranquillity and nature of this small island is definitely an appeal for an adult-only holiday. Disconnect from modern life and connect with nature on one of the island hikes in or around the ‘Eua National Park. Alternatively, do something adventurous that you would never be able to do with the kids, like scuba diving in the world’s largest sea cave, swimming with majestic Humpback Whales in the open water, and more!
Activities in ‘Eua for Adults
- Scuba dive into Cathedral Cave
- Hike in the ‘Eua National Park
- Swim with humpback whales
- Fish for big ones with the local fishermen
- Do rock climbing at Fangatave Beach
Find out more about each experience in our 5 Adult-Only Activities in ‘Eua.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 5 – ‘Eua
You’ll have more time to experience this wonderful island and do the activities that you might have not had time to do yesterday. Consider a guided hike to Fangatave Beach where you’ll scramble down cliffs visiting some 11 limestone caves! There are also plenty of secluded beaches to relax on, like the ones listed in the 5 Best Beaches on ‘Eua.
But if you need more inspiration for things to do, be sure to take a look at the 10 Must-Dos in ‘Eua.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 6 – ‘Eua to Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 1-2 hours ferry, 10-minute flight
And the journey continues! Arrange for your accommodation to transfer you to the airport or wharf where you’ll enjoy a scenic journey back to Nuku’alofa. We recommend spending a couple of more nights in Nuku’alofa so do some of the activities you might have missed out on in your first couple of days. Also, it’s important to relax between days of travel – you’re on holiday, after all!
Adult-Only Accommodation in Nuku’alofa
Here’s a reminder of the adult-only accommodation available in Tongatapu.
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Villa Apartments Eastside
- Waterfront Lodge
- Puipuikihetoa Homestay
Learn more about each accommodation in the 5 Best Adult-Only Accommodation on Tongatapu. Plus, find private holiday homes in our 7 Best Holiday Homes on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 7 – Nuku’alofa
You have the whole day to relax (or not relax depending on what type of traveller you are). Head out to the amazing beaches on the west side of the island, like Ha’atafu Beach for some amazing reef surf breaks. Rent a car in Nuku’alofa and do a road trip of the island. Enjoy the end of the day with some cocktails or Tongan beers at one of the awesome bars on Tongatapu!
Really need more inspiration? Then tick off the activities on the 10 Must-Dos in Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 8 – Nuku’alofa to Vava’u
Travel time: 1-hour flight
Arrange with your accommodation to transport you to the domestic terminal to Fua’amotu Airport. Today, you fly to Vava’u! Vava’u is a watersports paradise, a top sailing ground of the South Pacific and home to around 61 islands.
After a 1-hour flight, you’ll arrive at Lupepauʻu Airport. Your chosen adult-only resort, of which there are only two, will arrange transfers from the airport and over water to your new home on an island paradise for the next few days. Get settled into your fale (beach hut), indulge in a Tongan-inspired meal, and take a deep breath – you’re in paradise.
Adult-Only Accommodation in Vava’u
- Mandala Resort
- Dream Island Resort
While Vava’u doesn’t have many choices when it comes to adult-only accommodation, an alternative is to stay in a holiday home where you get to choose who you share the accommodation with. See the 5 Best Holiday Homes in Vava’u.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismDay 9 – Vava’u
Vava’u is a destination that provides the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation – both options you can enjoy undisturbed by little ones. See why they call Vava’u the best sailing grounds in the South Pacific by hiring your own sailing charter, tackle GTs and blue marlin on an exciting fishing charter, and yes, you have more opportunity to swim with whales between June and October. Otherwise, keep your feet on dry land with a rejuvenating yoga session or an island massage.
Activities in Vava’u for Adults
- Swim with beautiful humpback whales
- Drink and be merry at one of Neiafu’s bars
- Explore the underwater world on a scuba diving trip
- Hire yourself a private sailing charter
- Get out on the water on a game fishing charter
- Disconnect from the world in a relaxing spa treatment
- Reconnect with yourself in a yoga session
- Harness the elements in kitesurfing
- Explore the coral reefs on an underwater sea scooter tour
- Shop for unique Tongan arts and crafts
For more information on each experience, see the full list at the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 10 – Vava’u
Today you have more time to tackle one of the amazing Vava’u adventures, such as scuba diving (don’t worry, you’ll be ferrying tomorrow instead of flying). You’ll also be able to embrace island time a little longer before moving onto a new destination tomorrow.
For more things to do in Vava’u, be inspired by our 10 Must-Dos in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 11 – Vava’u to Ha’apai
Travel time: 7-9 hours ferry/2 hours flight via Tongatapu (direct flights are no longer available between Vava’u and Ha’apai)
It’s time to start making your way down south taking the ferry to Ha’apai, which has a direct route between the two island groups unlike flying where you’ll need to fly back to Tongatapu to get to Ha’apai. Ferries arrive on Lifuka Island where your chosen accommodation provider should be able to pick you up and transport you to your glorious resort.
While Ha’apai does not have any exclusive adult-only accommodation, the Sandy Beach Resort on the top of Foa Island is more aimed toward couples and solo travellers looking for a tranquil escape (children can only stay under special arrangement). For alternative accommodation, see the 10 Best Resorts in Ha’apai.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismDay 12 – Ha’apai
With a lack of adult-only accommodation in Ha’apai, we’ve only scheduled one extra day in this island group. That’s not to say that the activities on offer here aren’t ideal for an adult-only escape of the surroundings are no less serene, with white sandy beaches and beautiful azure waters. Ha’apai is certainly a place to unwind and relax, but there really is a range of offerings for an adult-only escape.
Activities in Ha’apai for Adults
- Explore the unspoiled reefs in a scuba diving trip
- Glide across the shallow lagoons in kitesurfing
- Hit the awesome reef and beach breaks straight from your resort on a paddleboard
- Catch some big ones on a fishing charter
- Try the national drink, kava
- Or enjoy some sundowners are one of the island’s bars
- Indulge in a relaxing island massage
- Join a yoga class or a yoga retreat
- Treat your loved one to a private island picnic
- Explore the islands by bike
Find out more about each experience in the 10 Adult-Only Activities in Ha’apai.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 13 – Ha’apai to Nuku’alofa
Travel time: 50-minutes flight
With flights between Ha’apai and Tongatapu being much more frequent and less time-consuming than the ferry, we recommend flying out of Ha’apai! Not only does this give you stunning views of the islands, but it allows you more time to enjoy the idyllic islands before your flight (as there are often flights in the afternoon).
You’ll, again, need to arrange transfers to your accommodation from Fua’amotu Airport. Enjoy a meal at one of Nuku’alofa’s restaurants or toast to an amazing two weeks in Tonga at one of Nuku’alofa’s bars!
Adult-Only Accommodation in Tongatapu
And just in case you forget, here’s the adult-only accommodation in Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu.
- Villa Apartments Westside
- Villa Apartments Eastside
- Waterfront Lodge
- Puipuikihetoa Homestay
Learn more about each accommodation in the 5 Best Adult-Only Accommodation on Tongatapu. Plus, find private holiday homes in our 7 Best Holiday Homes on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comDay 14 – Nuku’alofa to Fua’amotu International Airport
Travel time: 30 minutes taxi
It’s your final day in Tonga, where you might have the chance to do one last activity from the 5 Adult-Only Activities in Nuku’alofa list. Otherwise, grab a coffee at Escape Cafe or the Friends Cafe, pick up some souvenirs from the Langafonua Handicrafts Centre or Talamahu Market, and book a taxi to Fua’amotu Airport.
Nofo a (goodbye) from Tonga!
More Tonga Adult-Only Itineraries and Trip Ideas
- The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks
- Tonga Adult-Only Itinerary: 7 Days
- Tonga Adult-Only Itinerary: 5 Days
- The Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Tonga
That’s it for our Tonga adults-only itinerary: 14 days. Discover more exciting itineraries in the following compilations: The Best Tonga Itineraries for 2 Weeks, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 1 Week, The Best Tonga Itineraries for 5 Days and The Best Tonga Itineraries for a Weekend.
